PAMELA JOAN HILDEBRAND

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PAMELA JOAN HILDEBRAND Loving partner, loyal friend and stubborn Aries, Pamela Joan Hildebrand died peacefully at home on April 6, 2017 at the age of 52. She is survived by her husband, Richard; stepchildren, Adam (Samantha) and Delaney (Alex); father, John, and stepmother, Sandra. She was predeceased by her mother, Edith, and brother, Wayne. Those of us who knew her as the fit, clean-eating one of the bunch find her death particularly hard to take. Pancreatic cancer picked a formidable foe when it invaded Pamela's life nearly three years ago. She fought back with everything mainstream and alternative medicine had to offer. If her body hadn't grown too weak and weary, Pamela would still be researching treatment options today. Before settling in the Peg, Pamela lived in both Yorkton and Brandon. Born in Winnipeg under the sign of the Ram, she was assertive, incisive, determined and strong. Quitting university in her second year to care for her mother Edith -- who was also stricken by cancer in her late 40s. Pamela had to rely on her trademark grit, guts and discipline to forge a 17 year career at Hunter Wire Products Ltd. Not only did she work her way up from administrative assistant to VP of operations, but Rick and Ingrid Koss became more family than employers. Pamela was selective about who got close, but once you were in you knew she had your back. When one of her friends started seeing a new man, he would be taken aside by Pamela for a friendly but firm warning to treat the lady right or else. Yet beneath the no-nonsense, fiercely independent demeanour was a caring and gentle spirit with a soft spot for the underdog. A longtime vegetarian and sometime vegan, Pamela not only loved animals, but also supported many charities that advocated for their welfare. (She also knew how to unleash her inner party animal.) Pamela met the love of her life in 2003 when a tall, handsome accountant chatted her up at the Great Grain Relay. They would volunteer together at that event, as well as the Manitoba Marathon, for many years. Pamela and Richard not only shared a love of nature, but were also avid cyclists and sun worshippers. They went on many active adventures, including their annual kayaking trip to a secret island in Northwestern Ontario. (Somehow they never seemed to have tan lines.) Travel highlights included a trek across Europe in 2010 and a road trip through the Maritimes. Pamela was always happiest outdoors, even if it was just sitting on the backyard patio with Richard. In another of life's bittersweet synchronicities, Richard retired shortly before Pamela's diagnosis and was able to care for her at home; which he did lovingly, around-the clock until her final breath. Pamela wanted to thank everyone who touched her life. Her final words of advice: "Be kind to yourself and others. Take time for self-care. Dance in the rain and never pass up the opportunity for a skinny dip." She was adamant that heartfelt gratitude go out to the medical professionals who cared for her, including: Dr. Claire Jaeger, Dr. Jeremy Lipschitz, Dr. Vallerie Gordon, Dr. Chris Ogaranko, Dr. Sean Ceaser, and the wonderful staff, nurses and technicians at both Cancer Care and Palliative Care. As per Pamela's wishes, there will be no funeral. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to an animal welfare organization of your choice. A Celebration of Pamela`s life will be held at the Qualico Family Center in Assiniboine Park in Winnipeg on Sunday, April 30, 2017 at 6:30 p.m.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 15, 2017